The phrase "Shabby-chic" is often mentioned when describing the new member of The PIG's litter located just seven miles away from central Bath, but it's anything but shabby. Tucked away in the Mendip Hills in rural Somerset, The PIG - near Bath offers quintessential English experiences that feel superbly grand yet very homely.
Just an hour and a half train journey from London and a short 15-minute car ride from Bath train station, this Grade II listed Georgian home (Hunstrete House) offers the perfect place to stay for a mid-week or weekend country side getaway.
Elegantly designed with inviting décor of muted earth tones of white, grey and brown, and with country style wooden wardrobes, desk and drawers and armchairs the Comfy room is exactly that. There's a super cosy king size bed, donned in crisp white cotton and the bathroom has a walk in monsoon shower, a refreshing selection of Bramley bathroom amenities and a fluffy bath robe to snuggle up in make bedtime a treat.
Room facilities include a flat screen TV, a digital radio, free Wifi and a well stocked Larder packed full of retro sweets including sherbet dips, cherry drops and fizzy flying saucers as well as a Nespresso machine.
The PIG's spa is humbly set within two rustic Potting Sheds in the Kitchen Garden; the treatment room is laden with Bamford products and dimly lit. The spa bed incorporates an electric blanket that ensures you feel snug as a bug. Throughout the summer months expect the spa experience to be extended outside for some quiet reflection, tea drinking and relaxation under the exquisite canopy of the white-cherry blossom tree.
Signature Treatment is an indulgent 2-hour full body treatment. There's a choice of three oils for the massage, chamomile, rosemary and geranium. The PIG grows its own rosemary and after trying the rosemary infused vodka in their delicious signature bloody Mary the night prior it seemed befitting to stick with rosemary.
This treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation using Bamford sugar scrub that concentrates on the body's reflex points, whilst polishing skin. After an interlude of three deep and revitalizing inhalations of rosemary essential oil the massage begins. It starts off with slow and soft movements and then moves up a notch incorporating long, flowing movements to work away any tension and bringing a state of relaxation very quickly. After the main areas are stroked and pummeled the massage focuses on the intricate contours of the face and head.
Jade hot and cold stone treatments, deep tissue, pregnancy massages, manicure, pedicure and Bamford rose facial.
Bamford and Jessica.
The dining ethos is plain and simple with ingredients brought straight from garden to plate, and what cannot be grown in the pretty kitchen garden is sourced within a 25-mile radius. Chef Kamil Oseka heads up the kitchen with his kitchen gardener and forager. Together they bring a varied and ever changing fresh menu to life with a robust British edge. The PIG – near Bath has one main greenhouse restaurant, bustling in the evenings with guests and locals alike, a decadent private dining room with long table, and with several rooms including a library, billiards room and bar there's plenty of welcoming spaces for a cocktail, coffee or a snack at anytime.
You simply should not be counting calories at The PIG – near Bath; the food is just too good. Must haves include tasty Piggy Bits, home smoked salmon, the Somerset sprouting broccoli & smoked Godminster and the caramelized rice pudding that is half crème brulee and half rice pud, and if you have a particular chocolate craving the salted caramel chocolate pot is divine and really hits the spot. There's always a friendly sommelier on hand to guide you to the perfect tipple, be sure to ask, as the wine list is extensive.
To compensate for the gastronomic indulgence, you best be kind to your waistline and explore the several country rambles (maps available at the front desk). Step into a pair of Hunter boots (provided) and out of the door and that'll bring you face to face with an impressive 80 odd deer, most of which are stags. Just a stroll around the house leads you to the two pet Kiwi Kunekune pigs, you'd be hard pushed to resist giving these friendly fellas a good scratch.
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